Unfair To Flake, Meeks, Smith

Dear Editor,

There comes a time in people’s lives that watershed decisions have to be made. I think the time has come for us African Americans in this country, this state, this city and especially, at this time, this borough. It is a shame that two of the print media have selected as the next victims they want to bite the dust: Rev. Dr. Floyd H. Flake, Congressman Gregory Meeks and State Senator Malcolm Smith. Enough already.

There seems to be a “Let’s get the Black elected official” in this city, yes this great and grand borough of Queens. I’m sure you remember how the media went after Congressman Rangel until he thought for the best of the country and his constituents he resigned as chair of the most powerful committee in the Unites States Congress. Now they want to malign the reputation, character, integrity and magnificent reputation of Pastor Floyd Flake. Yes I don’t agree with him opening his congregation to the person I think is the worst mayor this city has had; but that doesn’t make me overlook the myriad accomplishments brought to fruition under his management and leadership skills. And he is a skillful leader.

I am proud of having been one of the clergy persons who approached Rev. Flake to run for Congress after the demise of the late, great Congressman, Joseph P. Addabbo. Being the reverend was perfect for the job.

To accuse him of looting is almost, if not the same, as stealing. Since he has not been accused of either nor proven guilty of the same, your premise of defaming him has no merit. With what he has accomplished for his people I think he is entitled to whatever riches or wealth he has attained or received. Please, if you cannot extol his accomplishments shut the hell up. As far as Mr. Meeks and Mr. Smith, they are our elected officials. Nothing has been proven that any wrong doing has taken place. This despicable cartoon in The Wave only proves it is still as racist as it has ever been. It has not changed since I lived in Far Rockaway from December 1954 to November 2003. And until Mr. Howard Schwach is out of there it probably won’t.

For us as a people to get some relief from this unrealistic, continuous plague on our elected officials we, I believe, must not stop buying the stupid paper but stop buying the products advertised in them.

Since nothing illegally has been proved against Pastor Flake or Congressman Meeks or State Senator Smith I guess the next investigation will be aimed at our Assemblyman William Scarborough who is gallantly leading the fight to get D.E.P. to begin now drawing water out of the ground to lower the water table instead of waiting until 2018. This will relieve those homeowners who pay exorbitant amounts to pump waste from their basement. Our asthmatic children and rheumatic adults can’t wait until 2018.

I am sick and tired of these racists talking about taking back “their country” as if African Americans had nothing to do with the building of this great nation. With all that they are doing to marginalize our elected officials let us, with the help of other well meaning Americans show the Republicans and all who really owns and loves this nation of which we are so proud.

Meeks and Smith, have serious charges to face. Defending them, simply due to the fact they are black is racist; by definition. Bishop C. Leslie Norris Sr. I suggest you ruminate on that. Despite your title, of Bishop, your letter depicts you as decidedly unwise and biased. Holding Rangel up is not only sad, but puts the question to your moral compass. He was corrupt and lost his position leading the powerful ways & means committee to be censured on the floor of the house. He was reelected, but that fact--in no way--meliorates his verified corruption.

As for the "racist cartoon" meme. It was designed, created, visualized and executed by an African American artist--Elgin Bolling--who is proud to be so. Left that tidbit--conveniently--out. Or, is it you'd like to see an African American editorial artist silenced? Which side are you on? Must be confusing to be you.

The editor has given you the opportunity to air your point of view, but had you perspective, a sense of right and wrong, and understanding of history, you'd retract your statement for the biased, garrulous rant that it is. I pity your congregation.